Report Influencer's Mocking Video Leads to Legal Action

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Photo via Facebook/ ลุยจีน Luijeen

 

A second-hand car dealer in Phuket is taking legal action against a Chinese influencer who recorded and shared a disparaging video mocking him in Chinese. This video has ignited discussions among Thai and Chinese netizens, highlighting cultural sensitivities and the power of social media.

 

The incident came to light when the video, initially posted on Douyin, a popular Chinese social media platform, was shared on the Thai Facebook page, ลุยจีน Luijeen. This page, known for providing translations and context on culturally significant posts, explained the situation to its audience, sparking widespread attention.

 

The influencer in question, who had lived in Phuket with his young daughter for a year, returned to Beijing after selling his pickup truck to Jamnong Hnoonprom, the owner of the car dealership. During the test drive, Jamnong, unaware of the Chinese language, remained oblivious to the mocking commentary being recorded.

 

In the video, the influencer insulted Jamnong, comparing him to a "caveman". Oblivious to the insult, Jamnong, who only noticed the camera, smiled and gave a thumbs-up, believing the influencer was being kind.

 

Once the video spread beyond Douyin and appeared on Facebook, it caught the attention of both Thai and Chinese viewers. Luijeen's translation invited Thai users to report the offensive content, warning against engaging with it to avoid boosting its visibility. This led to Douyin removing the video following backlash.

 

Jamnong expressed gratitude towards Luijeen's page for exposing the nature of the video. He revealed plans to gather evidence and pursue legal action against the influencer, underscoring the seriousness of his grievance and the emotional impact of the incident.

 

This situation has sparked discussions about cultural respect and the responsibilities of online influencers. Criticism from Chinese netizens against the influencer further highlights a shared disapproval of his actions across national lines.

 

Interestingly, this isn't an isolated incident in Thailand. A similar scenario occurred in May when an Israeli woman's comments on a “shoes-off” policy at a restaurant in Koh Pha Ngan led to public backlash. Her remarks, perceived as disrespectful, prompted her to issue an apology. This shows a recurring theme where misunderstandings and cultural insensitivity lead to public controversies.

 

The broader context here is the delicate balance of maintaining respectful communications in a globalised world, especially in multicultural tourist destinations like Thailand. The advent of social media amplifies these interactions, transforming local incidents into international discussions.

 

Ultimately, this story underscores the significance of cultural awareness and considerate communication, especially in a digital age where words and actions can quickly travel far beyond their point of origin. The legal pursuit by Jamnong may set precedents for dealing with such cross-cultural disputes in the future, reminding influencers and global travellers alike of their impact and responsibilities in foreign lands.

 

This case continues to develop as both communities await further actions from Jamnong and potential responses from the influencer. Meanwhile, it serves as a lesson on the importance of respect and understanding in cross-cultural encounters, amplified by the omnipresent eyes of social media.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-22